Influence of the Microcrystalline Cellulose Dispersion Method on the Structure and Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Composites

Abstract This paper investigates the reinforcement of rigid polyurethane foams with microcrystalline cellulose to improve their mechanical and thermal properties. In this work, microcrystalline cellulose was added to polyol and was dispersed using two methods: calendering and ultrasounds. As a result of the study, it was found that the addition of micro cellulose to the polyol mixture used for the synthesis of polyurethane foam changes the properties of the final product. A crucial aspect is how it is added to the mixture. When adding microcrystalline cellulose particles, better results were obtained for particles dispersed using ultrasound. The most beneficial changes were obtained for the sample with 2php cellulose. The most significant reduction in average pore size was shown, which has a beneficial effect on the insulating properties of polyurethane foam. In addition, an increase in mechanical properties was also noted. Both properties are highly desirable in many applications.